At least six Naga Village Guards (NVGs) were injured after armed assailants opened fire at Ringui Horei Kaphung in Ukhrul district early Monday, triggering fresh tension in the region. The injured, part of local defence arrangements, were shifted to nearby medical facilities and are reported to be in stable condition.

Condemning the incident, the Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) termed the attack a “premeditated and coordinated assault” allegedly carried out by Kuki armed groups, and raised concerns over a recurring pattern of violence targeting Naga villages and defence volunteers.

In a press communiqué, the TNL stated that the latest attack occurred soon after recent combing operations by combined Central security forces in Naga-inhabited areas, questioning the effectiveness of such operations. It cited earlier incidents, including a combing operation at Lungter Hills on April 28 followed by an armed attack the same evening, and alleged inaction despite reported firing on civilians along National Highway-202 near Yaolen village on May 2.

The committee further alleged that security forces dismantled defensive bunkers of NVGs at New Haven while leaving suspected militant positions untouched, and referred to a similar instance at Thoyee village where local defence structures were reportedly removed following an attack.

Maintaining that NVGs have been acting strictly in self-defence, the TNL accused security forces of weakening local defence mechanisms and failing to act against aggressors. It also raised concerns over possible compromise of sensitive information related to NVG positions, enabling repeated attacks.

Calling the situation a serious threat to civilian safety, the TNL Working Committee urged the Government of India to ensure impartial security operations, restore public confidence, and take urgent steps to prevent further escalation of violence in the hill districts.